Henry Gushes Over Anfield Atmosphere

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has confessed his favourite place to play is not Camp Nou, but rather a famous little location in north-west England.

Henry established himself as one of the world’s greatest forwards during time at Arsenal, getting his name on scoreboards all over the country as he notched up 174 goals in eight seasons.

The Frenchman developed a notorious habit of scoring against Liverpool, and netted some of the most memorable goals in Premier League history against the Reds.

But that is not the only reason Henry is fond of the Merseyside giants, as the 31-year-old has named Anfield as his very favourite venue, praising the stadium’s legendary atmosphere.

"For my first few years at Arsenal we didn't do well there, but we improved," he said.
"It's the atmosphere I love. It's unbelievable.

"I've played in a lot of stadiums but for me there is nothing like playing at Liverpool."

Henry’s revelation will no doubt be interpreted as a rescue plea, after his decidedly indifferent debut season with Barca.

The former Monaco man moved to Catalunya for ₤16million but has failed to recapture the heights of his Gunners pomp, having spent most of the season out of position on the left wing.

Liverpool are in the market for a striker given Dirk Kuyt’s conversion to the right side of attack and Peter Crouch’s impending departure, and could be keen on a cut-price deal for an established Premier League goalscorer.

The Reds have been linked with the ex-Juventus forward on and off for several years, as he is on very friendly terms with club captain Steven Gerrard.

Rafa Benitez has already attempted to bring in Gerrard’s friend and England colleague Gareth Barry, but with Aston Villa demanding up to ₤20million, the former Valencia boss may look elsewhere to appease his skipper.

And while Henry insisted he has fond memories of his time in North London, he confessed his longing for the kind of support Liverpool players receive from their fans.

"Nothing can beat Highbury, of course, but playing at Anfield was great," he said.

"The fans always sing and hold up their scarves before and after the game - whether they have won or lost.

"It must be amazing if you are a Liverpool player."

Reds On Alert After Bentley Decision

Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley has admitted that he will be leaving the club this summer in a move that will be of interest to Rafa Benitez, a self-confessed admirer of the Londoner.

The 23 year old has been at Blackburn for three seasons, and insists his decision to leave is based on career progression and not the fact that manager Mark Hughes has recently left.

Some sources have suggested that the player would prefer to return to the capital, with Tottenham Hotspur rumored to be interested, but they can’t offer the £12 million rated winger Champions League football like Liverpool can.

The player himself said:

“I made it clear to the club what I wanted to do.

“My situation is I want to move on, I want to be playing Champions League football, I want to be playing in Europe.

“I have been there for three years, I love the club and I love playing for them, but I feel like I’ve done everything I can and I want to move on and try and push up the ladder and be as successful as I can

“And I believe that lies elsewhere. I want a new challenge and I feel I want to push on somewhere else.

“I hope I have repaid them with the way I have played but I need to be moving on somewhere else.

“We’ll see what the summer brings and hopefully in this transfer window something can be sorted out.”

“I discussed things with the manager then (Hughes) and the chairman.

“Their situation has changed but mine hasn’t. I need to be pushing on and that’s what I’ll be looking to do.

“I’ve got ambitions to play for England and I want to be playing in the biggest games I can, and I believe that lies playing somewhere else.

“My decision is not money, it is purely based on football. I just want to be playing at the highest level.

“There are clubs interested but it lies in Blackburn’s hands. Managers that come in want to keep their best players but my decision has been made and nobody could persuade me to change my mind.

Liverpool Face Opening Day Trip To Sunderland

Liverpool will start their Premier League season away from Anfield for the fifth year in succession with a trip to Wearside to face Sunderland.

After Middlesbrough herald the start of the Anfield league season, the Reds’ second away fixture curiously is at Aston Villa, a reversal of last season’s opening two aways which saw victories at Villa Park and the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool entertain European champions Manchester United on September 13th with Rafa Benitez still looking for a first league win over his North-West rivals, with newly-promoted Stoke City due at Anfield a week later, before September ends with a trip across Stanley Park to face Everton at Goodison Park on September 27th.

The run of fixtures against regional rivals continues a week later with a trip to Manchester City before Wigan Athletic are at Anfield a fortnight later, due to an international break, on October 18.

Chelsea and new manager Luis Felipe Scolari host Liverpool on the last weekend of October before Portsmouth conclude the month with a midweek trip to Anfield on the 29th.

November sees away trips to Spurs on the 1st and Bolton on the 15th with home matches against West Brom (8th), Fulham (22nd) and West Ham (29th).

Ewood Park is the first port of call in the Reds’ December programme on the 6th before Nick Barmby returns to Anfield with newly-promoted Hull City on the 13th.

The festive programme produces a pre-Christmas cracker with Reds travelling to London to take on Arsenal five days before Christmas and Bolton Wanderers provide the Boxing Day opposition at Anfield with 2008 concluding at St James Park, Newcastle on the 28th December.

There is no scheduled New Years’ Day programme and the first league action of 2009 will take place at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium on January 10 before the return Merseyside derby at Anfield a week later.

The Reds face a midweek trip to the JJB Stadium to face Wigan on January 27th before Chelsea are at Anfield on the final day of the month.

February sees two long-distance away jaunts to Portsmouth (7th) and Middlesbrough (27th) which sandwich a home fixture with Manchester City (21st) whereas March’s only away game is Old Trafford (13th), Sunderland (4th) and Aston Villa (21st) being the Anfield visitors that month.

The crucial Spring run-in begins at Fulham on April 4 with Blackburn (11th) and Arsenal (18th) visiting Anfield before a trip to Hull City on April 25.

Newcastle visit Anfield on May 2nd, before the final two away matches at West Ham (9th) and West Brom (16th) before the final league fixture of the season, on the unseasonably late date of May 24th, against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

Juve To Announce Xabi Alonso Signing Today?

According to reports coming from Italy, Juventus are set to announce the capture of Xabi Alonso from Liverpool later on today, even though there are still some minor details which need to be ironed out between the two clubs.

Italian daily 'La Stampa' revealed how the Bianconeri will announce the signing of Xabi Alonso later today as he completes his move from Liverpool for a sum of around 18 million Euros.

Juventus have been particularly busy in the transfer market and after being linked to various midfielders, Xabi Alonso seems the high profile player who the Old Lady need to increase their Scudetto and Champions League aspirations.

Serie A will be hoping that this is one of the first main transfers coming from abroad as in the last few years the Italian top flight has been in decline in terms of big players coming over to play, and this was highlighted by Deliotte's annual report of the profits made by the different football leagues.

Serie A in fact finished 4th, behind the Premier League, Bundesliga and Liga respectively, with the English league having a profit double that of Italy.

Crouch To Pompey: Almost Done?

According to English tabloid The Mirror, Portsmouth will seal the signature of England striker Peter Crouch within the next 48 hours.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has never made secret his admiration for the Liverpool forward, but at the same time has always baulked at Rafa Benitez's £15 million asking price.

The Mirror made no mention of proposed fees, but did claim that Crouch has already agreed to a four-year-deal worth £60,000 a month.

Redknapp's last public statement regarding Crouch was last week when he said "Crouchy is a brilliant lad and I do like him a great deal. I suppose if Peter Storrie was negotiating with Liverpool though, he wouldn't want me throwing figures around.

“We might feel Liverpool want a little too much for him even at £10million. We might want to pay a bit less, so it wouldn't be right for me to say a price."

According to the same report in today's Mirror, Redknapp will also offer a contract to Nolberto Solano as soon as the Crouch capture is completed.

Solano, 33, became a free agent last week, after just one season at Upton Park.

Fernando Torres Looks To An Anfield Silver Lining

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield as he wants to win silverware with the club.

It has been suggested that manager Rafael Benitez would be prepared to sacrifice his leading goalscorer as he attempts to juggle his summer departures and arrivals.

However Liverpool have insisted the Spanish striker is not for sale, and the player himself has declared that he is not in the transfer market.

Instead Torres, on the mark as Spain booked their place in the last eight at Euro 2008 with a 2-1 win over Sweden, declared: “I came to the club to win trophies.”

Benitez is still haggling with Aston Villa over a price for unsettled captain Gareth Barry and, contrary to reports in Italy, Juventus are still to make a formal offer for Xabi Alonso, which has fuelled speculation in the London-based media that the Liverpool manager could be tempted to sacrifice Torres, should Chelsea come in with a world record bid, in order to push ahead with his rebuilding plans at Anfield.

However, Liverpool have always maintained that they have no desire to cash-in on a player who netted 24 goals in his debut season in the Premier League, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record, just 12 months after his arrival at Anfield for a club record £20million fee.

As well as the strong Spanish connection at Anfield, a desire to win silverware played a large part in Torres’s decision to join English football’s most successful club last summer, after failing to lift a major honour during his six seasons in the Atletico Madrid first team. It is the pursuit of trophies with Liverpool that is spurring the 24-year-old on.

He said: “I want to say very clearly that I’m not on the market and that it’s my desire to continue at Liverpool.

“I’m very happy there and I want to carry on. I came to the club to win trophies. I have many years left on my contract and I expect to win some silverware there.”

Performing on a big European stage is also important for Torres.

Torres never managed to qualify for the Champions League while with Atletico but is determined to go one better with Liverpool next season after playing in the Anfield club’s third Champions League semi-final in four seasons this year – ironically all of which have been against reported suitors Chelsea.

Atletico, who are set to come to Anfield for a pre-season friendly on Friday, August 8, have qualified for the Champions League in their first year without Torres but the Spaniard has no regrets about his move because of the big European nights with Benitez’s side.

He said: “I have gone through things I have never experienced before, like playing in a Champions League semi-final.”

David Villa, Torres’s strike partner in the Spain side who leads the scoring charts at Euro 2008 with four goals in two games, has revealed how he would love to link up with the player in Liverpool’s forward line.

Valencia maintain publicly that Villa is not for sale but with the player’s stock rising, financial constraints could force their hand.

Villa said: “Liverpool and Chelsea are both big clubs with a lot of attraction.

“Liverpool have a Spanish coach and I also have a lot of friends there. When Rafa (Benitez) was coach at Valencia and I was at Zaragoza there was contact about me joining Valencia but I couldn’t arrive until the year after he left there.”

Valencia are remaining bullish in public over their star striker. The Spaniard’s stunning form in La Liga last season, where he scored 18 goals in a campaign to forget for Los Che, had already reportedly attracted the attention of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool and Chelsea among others.

But Valencia technical secretary Juan Sanchez told Spanish newspaper Marca: “He’s our player, he’s under contract, and the coach is counting on him. We’re very calm and we’ve received no offer for him.”

Valencia president Agustin Morera added that rather than being worried by Villa’s eye-catching performances with Spain, the club should be proud of their player’s achievements.

He said: “He’s an icon who so far has managed to score four goals in the European Championship, something which very few players in the history of football have managed.

“We should be proud that he plays for Valencia, enjoy it, and when we read the newspapers from Barcelona, Madrid and the rest of the world remember that he’s our player.”

He also brushed off speculation linking Villa with a move away from the Mestalla after Euro 2008, saying: “There are offers for Villa every season.”

Meanwhile Barry, another player who sees his future at Anfield, is set to attempt to push through his desired move to Liverpool by handing in a transfer request at Aston Villa.

The England international midfielder, who has been at Villa Park for 11 years, is willing to wave a loyalty bonus of more than £1million in any potential deal to try and move proceedings along.

Despite Villa manager Martin O’Neill admitting that the player wants to move, the two clubs remain deadlocked over a fee and Liverpool’s next offer of up to £18million, which includes add-ons if Barry wins the Premier League title at Anfield and a further 30 England caps, is still unlikely to break the Midlanders’ resolve with Villa demanding £20million.

Villa Admits Reds Interest

Spanish star David Villa has hinted he would like to move to Liverpool, if he heads to England this summer.

The Valencia striker has lit up Euro 2008 with four goals in their opening two group games.

A host of clubs are tracking Villa with Liverpool and Chelsea reported to be heading the queue for the diminutive front-man.

Villa, who has linked up so well with current Reds star Fernando Torres for Spain, admits he would be tempted by the prospect of playing with him on a weekly basis.

"Liverpool and Chelsea are both big clubs with a lot of attraction," he told the News of the World.

Villa also admitted that Liverpool's Spanish coach Rafa Benitez could play a big role in attracting him as he tried to sign him earlier in his career.

"Liverpool have a Spanish coach and I also have a lot of friends there," he said.

"When Rafa was coach at Valencia and I was at Zaragoza there was contact about me joining Valencia but I couldn't arrive until the year after he left there."

Kuyt Expects “Something Beautiful”

Although Wes Sneijder has claimed the Man of the Match Award in both of the Netherlands’ games in the European Championship final phase so far, Dirk Kuyt has also been outstanding. And he’s looking forward to more of the same as the tournament unfolds.

The past few months have been tough for the Liverpool forward after he lost his father last June. However, he managed to feature in 48 games and score 11 times for The Reds, helping them find their way back into the European Champions League.

The former Utrecht and Feyenoord man was not a key Oranje figure in the European Championship’s qualifying phase, scoring once in six appearances. But that has changed in Austria and Switzerland: Kuyt started both of his national side’s last 16 matches, set up two of their goals against Italy and then netted the opener against France.

“It’s a great feeling to be a part of important moments in a match,” the 27-year-old told euro2008.com website. “But the most beautiful thing is just to win two important games such as these. It gives you a great feeling.”

Kuyt was one of the first new faces Marco van Basten brought into the Oranje squad following his appointment and after his September 3, 2004 debut he’s conjured up 39 caps and eight goals. “I’ve worked very hard to be at my best for this tournament and I’m very happy to have been in the line-up twice. And when I can play an important role by giving assists and scoring goals, then I’m doubly satisfied.”

With one game to spare the Dutch have already won the “Group of death” and they will either play Sweden or Russia in the quarter-finals, avoiding a clash with Spain – at least for now. But could they emulate the success of 20 years ago, when they won the Henri Delaunay trophy?

“We feel it’s possible for us to achieve something beautiful here,” Kuyt says. “We have delivered two excellent performances, but we must now prepare for the next step. We all want to achieve something beautiful here, and I think we can. But we should not look too far ahead yet.”

The Netherlands have grabbed the headlines not only for their showings on the field, but off it as well, as some 50,000 fans have painted the city of Berne in orange. “We are so focused on the matches that it’s hard to imagine how it is for the people that are here to support us,” Kuyt commented. “We really appreciate receiving so much support. We cannot experience all the celebrations, but that’s OK. A lot of people would also love to be standing in our shoes right now.”

Reds Like Look Of Magpie Milner

Newcastle winger James Milner is a reported target for Rafa Benitez, with the Liverpool boss keen to offload Jermaine Pennant in part-exchange.

Milner, 22, has already racked up almost 100 appearances for the Magpies since his £5million switch from Leeds in July 2004.

The hard-working midfielder, who is also interesting Aston Villa, has also been a key member of England's Under-21 side and is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield.

Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of Milner, who netted three times for the Magpies last season, and boss Kevin Keegan has already rejected out-of-hand a swap deal involving former Birmingham winger Pennant.

Midfielder Danny Guthrie, 21, has also been offered to Keegan, but the former England manager has set his sights on striker Peter Crouch.

Crouch, who is high on the hit-list of former club Portsmouth, has numerous admirers, but the £15million price tag is so far proving prohibitive.

Chelsea To Bid £40 Million For Torres

Seemingly undaunted by the player's declaration that he's going nowhere, Chelsea are planning to tempt Liverpool into selling star striker Fernando Torres by offering them £40 million for the Spanish striker, according to the News of the World.

Torres, who scored the opener in Spain’s 2-1 victory over Sweden in Euro 2008 yesterday, enjoyed a stellar first season in English football after signing from Atletico Madrid last July.

Although both Liverpool and Torres have previously stated that the striker is happy to stay at Anfield, Chelsea are thought to believe they can cash in on the current unrest between the Liverpool owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and manager Rafael Benitez, by offering a British record bid that the owners will find difficult to turn down. This in turn could unsettle the youngster.

New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is reportedly determined to make the striker his first signing even though he knows it will not be easy. A Chelsea source said: “Scolari is will aware it will be a real battle to try to get Torres out of Liverpool.”

However despite this, Scolari reportedly believes a huge bid may just make the transfer a possibility.

“He’s ready to make the sort of bid that will make even the Americans sit up and take notice” the Chelsea source said before adding, “Obviously he knows that Liverpool don’t want to sell one of their star assets but he still believes he can exploit the troubles and turmoil at Anfield to get his man.”

Torres signed for Liverpool last summer costing the Anfield club somewhere in the region of £21 million. He scored 33 goals in his first season breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record as the most prolific foreign striker in their debut season in the Premier League.

As recently as this week he told the media in no uncertain terms that he was going nowhere and that he was eager to continue with the Reds.

Portsmouth Set To Bid £8million For Peter Crouch

Portsmouth will table an £8million bid for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch within 48 hours.

The lanky England marksman - who was sold by Pompey boss Harry Redknapp to Aston Villa when he took charge at Fratton Park, and later played under him at arch-rivals Southampton - has been at the top of his summer wish-list.

The FA Cup winners will make their move in an attempt to stave off growing interest from, ironically, Villa.

Martin O'Neill is demanding that Crouch is included in a deal that would eventually pave the way for England midfielder Gareth Barry to move to Anfield.

Liverpool have tried to ease the 27-year-old striker's frustrations by offering him a new contract to stay at the club.

But after starting just seven Premier League games last season following the arrival of Fernando Torres, Crouch and his advisers refused to commit his long-term future to the club, prompting Liverpool to put a £15m price tag on his head.

Despite growing interest in Crouch from Pompey's rivals, Redknapp remains in the box seat to land his signature.

Crouch has always credited Redknapp with reviving his career when he was languishing in the Saints reserves.

While his prolific form in front of goal failed to stave off relegation, it paved the way for him to break into the England squad and seal a £7.5m move to Liverpool in the summer of 2005.

Portsmouth also hope to pull off the £4m capture of Manchester City captain Richard Dunne, who last night rejected an improved offer to stay at Eastlands.

Milner Pleads For Toon Exit

Newcastle winger James Milner has reportedly begged manager Kevin Keegan to let him leave for Liverpool.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bring the 22-year-old to Anfield, having offered midfielder Danny Guthrie – who spent last season on loan at Bolton – in part exchange.

Aston Villa have already launched a ₤7million bid for the former Leeds youngster, who suffered an injury-ravaged campaign at St James’ Park.

News of the World reports that Keegan is willing to do a deal involving England striker Peter Crouch, who is expected to leave Merseyside after receiving limited opportunities last term.

Benitez also offered up the out-of-favour Jermaine Pennant, but the Magpies boss was not interested in the former Arsenal winger.

Liverpool FC Will Wait To Sign Gareth Barry

Rafael Benitez is prepared to dig in and play a waiting game with Aston Villa in order to sign Gareth Barry.

Villa rejected a third Liverpool bid for their captain on Thursday, believed to be in the region of £15m but with manager Martin O’Neill admitting that the England international has his heart set on a move to Anfield, Benitez is in no rush to push through the move this weekend.

The Spaniard is away from the club until next week and although he realises that Liverpool must now make a fourth offer for Barry, he is willing to bide his time to capture the player he knows is craving Champions League football next term.

An irate O’Neill, who is unhappy with the way Liverpool have publicly conducted their attempts to pursue Barry, has broken down all direct contact with Benitez and is also at odds with their valuations of Peter Crouch and Scott Carson who are possible makeweights in the deal.

Although O’Neill has conceded that Barry’s desire for a move will now mean that his club football now lies away from Villa Park, he and owner Randy Lerner remain determined to get as large a fee as possible for their prize asset who they value at £20m.

Benitez is also willing to wait on Barry because any potential exit from Anfield for Xabi Alonso is not likely to be completed until after the European Championship finals.

Reports in Italy yesterday suggesting that Liverpool had agreed a £14.2m fee with Juventus for the Spanish international midfielder are wide of the mark.

Although Liverpool have had lengthy talks with the Serie A club, who are now believed to be eyeing Bayern Munich’s German international Bastian Schweinsteiger as a possible alternative, they have still yet to receive an official bid for Juventus for Alonso who they value at £16m.

Financial constraints at Anfield mean that Benitez will have to offload several players this summer to balance the books for big money purchases like Barry.

Torres Reacts To Chelsea Rumours

Fernando Torres insists that he is perfectly happy at Liverpool in the face of reports that Chelsea are putting together a mega-offer in the hopes of securing his services ahead of next season.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has made it abundantly clear that there is no way that Liverpool will sell their prized asset, while the player himself has proven to be very un-ronaldoesque in doing his best to nip the rumours in the bud.

”I have no intention of leaving,” the Spanish star insisted.

”We have to focus our energies to give the little step we need to get to the top teams.

”If we only improve the team a little, we are going to manage to do so.

”I want to say very clearly that I’m not on the market and it is my desire to continue at Liverpool.

”I am very happy at Liverpool and want to carry on.”

Torres broke all sorts of records during his debut season at Anfield, scoring 33 goals in all competitions following his ₤21million move from Atletico Madrid last summer.

Going into the Euro 2008, some had questioned whether the 24-year-old would be able to replicate his club form at international level, and questioned whether he and Valencia hitman Villa would mesh as a pairing.

But all doubters have already been served a healthy dose of humble pie after La Furia Roja’s stunning display in their Group D opener, the pair having dovetailed beautifully as Villa’s hat-trick led the tournament favourites to a 4-1 win over Russia.

Alonso Signs For Juventus On Monday

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso is pratically a Juventus player and all that is missing is his signature which will arrive early next week according to Corriere Dello Sport.

Jean Claude Blanc met with Rafa Benitez on Friday and a deal was struck to bring the midfielder to the Stadio Olimpico.

Benitez will meet Bianconeri officials again either on Monday or Tuesday where the contracts will be signed, sealed and delivered. The player's agent Inanki Ibanez will also be present at the meeting to ensure that all runs smoothly.

Juve will be paying the Anfield Road club €17m which Liverpool will use to buy Aston Villa's Gareth Barry. Alonso has already reached an agreement with the Old Lady and he will sign a four year deal worth €3.5m per season as well as performance related bonuses.

The Spain international who is currently involved in Euro 2008 will undergo a medical in Turin after the tournament. It's a big hit for the Bianconeri who have, once again, convinced major players to come on board as they prepare to challenge for major honours both domestically and in Europe next season.

Bastian Scheweinsteiger's move from Bayern now looks highly unlikely after the capture of Alonso. The Bianconeri were on standby for the Bayern Munich midfielder in case the Alonso move failed.

Liverpool Must Sell To Buy Riera

Rafa Benítez is hoping to use the money the sale of Xabi Alonso to Juventus generates to bring in Albert Riera from Espanyol after the European Championships concludes.

The Liverpool boss knows that he will have to sell in order to finance a higher bid for the former Manchester City wideman, while saving the bulk of his transfer kitty for Gareth Barry, according to AS.

After having a €9.5m bid rejected recently, Benítez is determined to return with a €12m offer for Riera, which indications have already shown is likely to be accepted.

Espanyol are keen to off-load the player that they brought back to Spain from Bordeaux after his outburst against the club last month.

Riera voiced his frustration at having spent the majority of the second half of the season on the bench as the Blanc i Blau's quest for Europe fell apart.

Stating that he wanted to leave the club immediately, that wish was granted but only if a club were to meet Espanyol's evaluation because they too need the cash to bring in new faces.

Alonso is on the verge of a switch to Juve and the money raised will aid the Riera bid as well as freeing up a place in the midfield for Barry to arrive from Aston Villa.

Liverpool In For Balotelli?

Internazionale's young star Mario Balotelli has intimated that he may have no problems leaving the club, which appears to have put some top clubs on alert, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea linked with a move for the striker.

Balotelli, 17, is of Ghanaian heritage but was adopted by Italian parents. He is eager to represent the Azzurri once he turns 18 and is officially an Italian citizen, having already turned down the chance to play for Ghana.

Inter, however, he appears to have less loyalty towards. Recent quotes suggest that the powerful forward would have no problem leaving the club and that, as he has only been there for a couple of years, he has no special attachment to the Italian champions.

He enjoyed a fairly prominent breakthrough season, considering his age, scoring three goals in 11 starts.

The Times reports that Balotelli's signature is being fiercely contested for among three of England's big four. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be the clubs interest, with all possibly being in the market for a striker of his mould.

Red Letter Day For The Spirit Of Shankly

On Monday, the Spirit of Shankly (SOS) will celebrate six months in existence as the country's first ever football supporters union.

It has come a long way since the day it was formed on February 16 when around 1,000 Liverpool fans packed into the Olympia on West Derby Road ahead of the ill-fated FA Cup tie against Barnsley.

That rally was followed by a march to Anfield with all present united in their desire to see Liverpool Football Club rid of American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Despite the good turnout and the clear and vivid passion on display SOS was not without its critics and there was no shortage of Nay’sayers who wanted to know what a disparate group of fans from Liverpool and beyond could do to challenge the corporate might of a pair of American millionaires based thousands of miles away from the Olympia.

In truth, it remains a forbidding challenge and one which may never be achieved in a football world where money doesn't just talk, it shouts, screams and hollers.

That doesn't mean SOS hasn't made progress though. Far from it.

In those six short months it has established a fully operative committee comprising of a chair, vice-chair, treasurer, secretary, club liaison officer and fans liaison officer among others.

Meetings are held regularly and continue to be well attended and in the near future a city centre office will be opened to process the membership applications which continue to flood in on a daily basis and a fully operational website will also be set up.
Increasingly, the union is starting to resemble a fans co-operative with issues which concern supporters of all clubs being tackled in an age of spiralling ticket prices and related costs.

A fortnight ago, I was invited to attend their latest gathering to observe their work at first hand and found it to be as professional as any council meeting with a full agenda established at the very outset and reports and updates presented by the treasurer, secretary and chair.

There was no shortage of debate and nor should there be in a movement which was set up to represent the best interests of all Liverpool fans and not just a local clique of like minded individuals.

The debate was lively and well informed but never threatened to get out of hand and although there were occasions when agreeing to disagree was the best course of action resolutions were passed and conclusions were arrived at, much as they are in any board meeting.

The level of professionalism on show should not come as a surprise though as many of those involved come from the kind of background where such meetings take place on an almost daily basis and their experience is telling.

Equally importantly though, there are those who do not hail from a professional background and who are ready and willing to try and break through the traditional constraints which have left football fans at the mercy of profiteers for far too long.

After the recent experience of Athens and Istanbul, not to mention just about every other European trip Liverpool have been involved in, SOS are now looking at ways of making European and domestic travel more affordable to the average Reds fan.

Talks are ongoing with travel operators aimed at chartering flights for Champions League away games and a coach is likely to be laid on for the Reds forthcoming pre-season friendly against Rangers at Ibrox.

These initiatives are a small step in the right direction for a movement which has come an awfully long way in a very short time.

Should the progress they have made in their first six months be repeated in the next six then there is no telling as to how far SOS could go.

But as long as they continue to have the best interests of fans at heart then no-one should bet against them achieving their objectives, even if their avowed determination to rid their club of a pair of owners they have no time for does remain the tallest of tall orders.

Kuyt On Target As Dutch Destroy France

Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring as Holland continued their impressive start to Euro 2008 by defeating France 4-1 on Friday night. Kuyt headed home from a corner inside 20 minutes to give Marco Van Basten’s side the lead.

Holland, who defeated World Champions Italy 3-1 in their opening game, were impressive again with Kuyt replaced at half time allowing Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie to combine to make it 2-0.

Thierry Henry made it 2-1 with a deft flick from a cross but Holland restored their two goal lead within seconds of the re-start, Robben firing home from an obscure angle. The impressive Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder added a fourth in the final seconds to gauruntee they win the ‘group of death’.

The Dutch face Romania next Tuesday, who can go through to the quarter finals with a win, while France and Italy - the last World Cup Finalists - will hope the Romanians don’t get the win they need and will battle out it for the right to go through with Holland.

The other game on Friday saw Romania and Italy share the spoils, 1-1, although Adrian Mutu missed a penalty which would have the sent the World Champions home early.

Reina's Father Predicts More From Pepe

The father of Liverpool goalie José Reina says he's proud of his son's role as a Spanish back-up and insists the highly-rated shot-stopper is yet to peak.

Minguel Reina is, of course, following his son Pepe's goalkeeping career avidly, and thinks the much-admired 'keeper can do better yet.

The 25-year-old Anfield man picked up his third Premier League Golden Glove in succession last term and is currently with the hotly-tipped Spanish side as they gun for Euro 2008 glory.

The proud Spaniard and father is so excited about his country's strong start at the Austria and Switzerland showpiece that he isn't even sore about his son languishing on the bench behind first-choice Iker Casillas.

"Pepe is growing as a man and as a footballer before my very eyes," said Reina Sr. "But no way is he near his peak yet. There is so much more to come before he's either the finished product or as good as he can be.

"Watching my son train so hard for his country and playing with his little daughter at a time when Spain have just put in a tremendous performance to open the tournament is just great.

"Right now his role is fundamental. The substitutes have to train hard but also give total support to those who start. With affection, support and friendship coming towards the key players, Spain will see the benefit on the pitch. That's sure.

"This year I think we are at least going to the final and if we win so much the better."